ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Art Basel Miami Beach 2016: Sales Strong, Atmosphere Subdued

festival-fair · 2026-05-05

In December 2016, Art Basel Miami Beach commenced with impressive sales, though the atmosphere was somewhat muted due to the political climate following the U.S. elections. The event featured exceptional artworks across the Survey, Nova, and Position sectors. Prominent galleries such as Pace, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and White Cube delivered less striking presentations. Italian galleries stood out, with Noero (Turin) presenting Lara Favaretto and Tunga, Giò Marconi (Milan) featuring Nathalie Djurberg, and Lia Rumma (Milan/Naples) highlighting Vanessa Beecroft. Other notable participants included Gavin Brown, Massimo De Carlo, Sadie Coles HQ, Eva Presenhuber, Mehdi Chouakri, Regen Projects, Neugerriemschneider, Esther Schipper, and Kurimanzutto.

Key facts

  • Art Basel Miami Beach 2016 opened with strong sales but subdued atmosphere.
  • The fair took place in December 2016, post-U.S. presidential election.
  • Mega-galleries Pace, Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and White Cube had less memorable displays.
  • Italian galleries were prominently featured in the top twelve booths.
  • Noero (Turin) showed works by Lara Favaretto, Tunga, Darren Bader, and Jason Dodge.
  • Giò Marconi (Milan) featured Nathalie Djurberg and Oliver Osborne.
  • Lia Rumma (Milan/Naples) presented Vanessa Beecroft and Ettore Spalletti.
  • Kurimanzutto (Mexico City) exhibited Damian Ortega, Gabriel Orozco, and Jimmie Durham.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

Locations

  • Miami Beach
  • United States
  • Turin
  • Italy
  • Milan
  • Naples
  • New York
  • Rome
  • London
  • Zurich
  • Switzerland
  • Berlin
  • Germany
  • Los Angeles
  • Mexico City
  • Mexico

Sources